This year marks the 60th anniversary of Thunderbirds, Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s groundbreaking Supermarionation classic, and to celebrate, International Rescue is heading back to the big screen. Starting 20th September, UK cinemas will host a spectacular double bill of two of the series’ most iconic episodes: Trapped in the Sky and Terror in New York City.
For the first time ever, these beloved episodes will debut in stunning 4K UHD, meticulously restored by award-winning specialists Silver Salt from the best surviving film elements. The restoration process not only brings out the intricate detail of Derek Meddings’ legendary model work but also pairs the visuals with a brand-new 5.1 surround sound mix, ensuring a cinema experience that feels every bit as epic as the adventures themselves.
Trapped in the Sky, the very first episode of Thunderbirds, showcases International Rescue’s high-stakes heroics as they attempt to save the atomic-powered Fireflash airliner from disaster after a bomb is planted on board. Meanwhile, Terror in New York City—often regarded as the most thrilling installment in the series—sees Thunderbird 2 heavily damaged and the team scrambling to save a news crew trapped beneath the ruins of the Empire State Building.
Both stories highlight what made Thunderbirds a cultural phenomenon: daring rescues, pulse-pounding suspense, and characters that continue to resonate with fans decades later.
Jamie Anderson, CEO of Anderson Entertainment and son of series co-creator Gerry Anderson, reflected on the milestone:
“Even back in 1965, Dad and his amazing teams made each episode of Thunderbirds feel like a mini movie—huge stories, stunning models, and that unmistakable sense of adventure. To see them newly restored in 4K and back on the big screen, marking classic Thunderbirds’ return to cinemas for the first time since 1968, and on the show’s 60th anniversary, is something really special. I’m very proud to be able to share them with audiences across the UK.”
For fans old and new, this cinematic revival is both a celebration and a rediscovery. Whether revisiting International Rescue’s finest moments or experiencing them for the first time, audiences can look forward to an adventure that proves, even six decades later, that Thunderbirds Are Go!
Thunderbirds: Trapped in the Sky & Terror in New York City opens in UK cinemas on 20th September.